Easy Breezy

Elizabeth and James Jake Trouser c/o Bib + Tuck, BDG V-Neck Tee, Celine Pouch, Vintage Necklace, Bracelet and Jacket

I have a severe soft spot for clothes that billow in the breeze. They seem to add a bit of grace and romance to an ensemble no matter what you pair with it. I fell in love with these Elizabeth and James pants for both the muted floral pattern and the amount of movement the fabric had when I took a step. A perfect wardrobe option for breezy Springtime days. What are you excited to wear for Spring? 

Casual Cravings

Being a Santa Barbara girl, my everyday look tends to lean more on the casual side. I live in my coziest cashmere sweaters, skinny jeans, flats and a scarf on a regular basis. Even when I pull out my dressiest pieces I always tone it down with a casual element. Here are some early Spring finds and favorites that I know would fit right into my lifestyle. 

Clockwise from top left:

Topshop Hibiscus Print Kimono

Victoria Beckham Cropped Jeans

Ariel Gordon Circle Pendant Necklace

Ariel Gordon Spike Necklace

Chinti and Parker Striped Mini Dress
Zara Crossover Vamp Shoe
Isabel Marant Rivera Striped Scarf
Zara Messenger Bag

Kimono-Me

Vintage Kimono, Theyskens' Theory Blouse, Helmut Lang Jeans (see a similar pair I'm craving here) Theyskens' Theory Wedges

Uncontrollable laughter is one of my favorite things in this world. Without fail, every time I get together with my older sister she makes me laugh to the point of tears. And after spending a whole weekend with her to celebrate her birthday, I've come down with a case of sore abs. We dined, watched movies, shopped and had a big brunch at Dominick's with friends and family while giggling practically the entire time. Here's an outfit I lived in this past celebratory weekend.

Cobalt + Sunshine

Vintage Chloe Coat, Whetherly Maxi Dress, Jennifer Fisher Bone Cuff, Vintage Bracelets, Ariel Gordon Rings, Theyskens' Theory Wedges, Raen Breslin Sunglasses

One of my most favorite finds in my grandmother's wardrobe is this structured Chloe coat. She wore it for an outing to the Crocker Art Museum while I was visiting and I was slightly obsessed with the shape and color of it, so she let me borrow it. I'm normally shy with colors but I couldn't help but pair this cobalt Whetherly maxi dress with it. I loved the bold contrast so much I've been craving more of it! See some recent finds I'm loving below.  

 P.S. I'm currently crazy about this OPI's Tickle My France-y—it's the perfect nude/tan.

More COBALT + SUNSHINE finds...

Diane Von Furstenberg Mini Skirt

Kain Washed Silk Tank

Reed Krakoff Boxer Leather Tote

Carven Suede Slingback Heels

Gryphon Happy Jacket

Style Roots

Patterned rugs fill the ranch-style home. 

Over the long weekend I took a trip up north to my grandparent's ranch in Sacramento, one of my favorite places on this planet. Not much has changed in the house since I was a baby so whenever I return everything down to the scents triggers a memory. Days are filled with going on walks, visiting the llamas and horses, trying on my grandmother's clothes and jewelry, playing Mexican Train (their favorite domino game), telling stories, lounging on the patio and collecting peacock feathers (they roam the property)—bliss. Here's a few things that will forever be engrained in my memories. 

Pampas grass in vases.

A Michael Novarese dress my grandmother wore to my parents wedding in '69.

Every morning consists of Toddy coffee in the sun room.

Pretty Pink Léron boxes my grandmother has hung onto and re-used. 

Lounging in a vintage caftan my grandmother loaned me. 

A favorite view—especially when the ducks fly in.

Butch the horse. 

Collected initials on a coffee table.

A giant door knob I remember hanging on as a kid. 

A feminine sitting room in the master bedroom. 

My most favorite sculpture in the house. 

Leather + Eggplant

Doma Leather Jacket, Rag & Bone Sweater, Helmut Lang Jeans, Alexander Wang Bag, Vintage Bracelets, Autumn Cashmere Scarf, Target Boots. 

Over the past few years I've collected a variation of leather jackets that I can't seem to live without. Ranging from a $40 Forever 21 jacket (seen here) to a pricier one I recently found by Doma, they've all proven to be some of my greatest wardrobe investments. And what else could give that cool, relaxed vibe more than leather? Here's a look that's been a favorite go-to recently. 

Follow My Snaps

Nowadays, there are so many avenues to instantly share a photo and tidbit. It's been such a fun way of sharing something I love in the moment, and playing around with handy dandy digital filters at the same time. If you have a chance follow me on my facebook page, twitter, pose and instagram: couldihavethat, to get the latest updates of things I'm doing and loving. xo

Bits and Tips

Lingerie at Ava + Aliria 

Valentine's Day may have come and gone, but I haven't quite lost my desire for feminine wardrobe favorites, sweet treats, lacy lingerie and bits of pink. In fact it always seems to jump start my sudden urge for a lighter, sunnier season to arrive, right away. I can hardly wait for the chance to slip on a sun dress, wear pastels and go for a bike ride (in shorts). Here's a look at some ways I've been celebrating the romantic week. 

 My faux macaroons with pink frosting

 My favorite place to score vintage jewelry, Ava + Aliria.

 An antique light fixture I'm coveting. 

Pastel colored heart cookies I gave as Valentine's Day gifts. P.S. I found the best icing recipe yet, found on the back of this meringue powder container. Tip, leave the icing to sit for 15 minutes before spreading it on the cookies, it will be less runny and easier to manage. 

Faux Macaroons

Whenever I get a new batch of magazines one of my favorite things to do is lounge on the couch with a plate of chocolate chip cookies and flip through them—a mini indulgence I look forward to every month. Sometimes I fantasize about making french macaroons but they always seem a bit too intimidating and time consuming. So I came up with an alternative, the faux macaroon—homemade chocolate frosting sandwiched in Nila wafers. Just the sight of the Nila box takes me back to my childhood making this sweet snack even more appealing. See my recipe below. 

Faux Macaroons:

Frosting: mix 3 cups of powdered sugar and 1/3 cup of coco powder (add more for a richer chocolate taste). Add 1/3 cup of softened butter, 1 tbs. vanilla, and 1/2 cup of half and half (add more or less to get the consistency you like). 

Sandwich the frosting in the Nila Wafers and freeze for 15 minutes. Display on a pretty plate and eat, while reading your favorite magazines. xo

Leather + Cashmere

360 Cashmere Sweater, Emily Cho Clutch c/o the Bib+Tuck FF Project, Theyskens' Theory Blouse, Ash Bootie, H&M Pants, Vintage Leather Cuff and Chain, Jennifer Fisher Bone Cuff.

The temperature has finally dipped and I've been loving every second of it. Chilly days have forced me to pile on the layers and some of my favorite cashmere sweaters. After being introduced to handbag designer Emily Choo I was craving looks with an edge, so I dug out my favorite faux leather pants from H&M. Rewind 10+ years, how much did you love Cher's leather skirt and ivory sweater set from Clueless? It was randomly on TV recently and it semi-inspired this look. 

P.S. Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you all have a day with filled lot's of love, kisses and hugs! xo

Beso Giveaway

It's not a rare occurrence when I find myself in an indecisive state over a purchase. I like to feel 100% certain on something (especially if it's pricey!) before biting the bullet and clicking "add to cart". I recently discovered a new favorite way of browsing online that has been easing my shopping anxiety—Beso. What used to be a giant circus of clutter on the internet is trimmed down to an easy, clear and organized way of shopping. Search what you are looking for by brand, store or description and up pops a list of relevant options that you can (here's my favorite part) add to one of many collections with custom names. I love this because I constantly have a running list of things I need/want and Beso helps me organize all of it. Here's a look at some current collections I created. See below a chance to win a Beso giveaway!

Enter to win a Beso and Could I Have That giveaway! All you have to do is head over to Beso now to create an account build your own shopping collection and leave a comment with a link to it. TIP: To create a collection search under brands or stores you like and click the "+" symbol next to the product and click "Add to New Collection". Shop away! Check out mine for inspiration! *Open to US residents, 18 and older. Contest ends 2/20. One entry per person.

Out of Africa

Helmut Lang Leather and Linen Jacket and Jeans, J.Crew Blouse, Steve Madden Boots, Vintage Necklace and Bracelets from Ava + Aliria, Jennifer Fisher Bone Cuff, Custom Emily Rosendahl Springbok Clutch.

The most valued things in my wardrobe usually have story to go with them. From passed down jewelry to Helmut Lang jeans scored for $20 (yup I'm wearing them in these pictures), it's hard not to share the back stories. At a recent trunk show I hosted with Emily Rosendahl (seen here), my dad offered up an old rug he bought in Namibia made of Springbok to be transformed into clutches and totes for me and my two sisters. I picked out the clutch with a giant mohawk and I can't get enough of it's one-of-a-kind quirkiness. Plus, how cool is my dad for thinking of custom handbags?!